Louis Leblanc

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Sept 14, 2010 11:48:07 GMT -5 Skilly said:

A list compiled of all drafted players from the Ivy League

Legend:
black = played less than 100 games in the NHL
red = played over 100 games in the NHL
blue= played over 500 games in the NHL

Harvard
Danny Biega D 2010 NHL Entr Carolina
Ryan Maki R 2005 NHL Entry Nashville
Dov Grumet-Morris G 2002 NHL Entry Philadelphia
Ryan Lannon D 2002 NHL Entry Pittsburgh
Rob Flynn L 2002 NHL Entry NY Rangers
Kenny Smith D 2001 NHL Entry Edmonton
Dennis Packard L 2001 NHL Entry Tampa Bay
Dominic Moore C 2000 NHL Entry NY Rangers
Brett Nowak C 2000 NHL Entry Boston
Kyle Clark R 1999 NHL Entry Washington
Steve Moore F 1998 NHL Entry Colorado
Chris Bala L 1998 NHL Entry Ottawa
Mark Moore D 1997 NHL Entry Pittsburgh
Craig MacDonald C 1996 NHL Entry Hartford
Ben Storey D 1996 NHL Entry Colorado
Craig Adams R 1996 NHL Entry Hartford
Ashlin Halfnight D 1994 NHL Entry Hartford
Sean McCann D 1994 NHL Supplemental Florida
Steve Martins C 1994 NHL Supplemental Hartford
Kirk Nielsen R 1994 NHL Supplemental Philadelphia
Aaron Israel G 1993 NHL Entry Philadelphia
Tripp Tracy G 1993 NHL Entry Philadelphia
Steven Flomenhoft C 1992 NHL Supplemental Ottawa
Allain Roy G 1989 NHL Entry Winnipeg
Kevin Sneddon 1989 NHL Entry Los Angeles
C.J. Young R 1989 NHL Supplemental New Jersey
Mike Francis G 1988 NHL Entry St. Louis
Tod Hartje C 1987 NHL Entry Winnipeg
Tim Barakett 1986 NHL Supplemental New Jersey
Randy Taylor D 1986 NHL Supplemental Pittsburgh
Lane MacDonald L 1985 NHL Entry Calgary
Jerry Pawloski 1985 NHL Entry Hartford
Grant Blair G 1983 NHL Entry Calgary
Scott Fusco C 1982 NHL Entry New Jersey
John Hynes G 1978 NHL Amateur Colorado
John Cochrane 1978 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Jack Hughes D 1977 NHL Amateur Colorado
Jim Trainor D 1977 NHL Amateur Philadelphia
Brian Petrovek G 1975 NHL Amateur Los Angeles
Dave Bell 1975 NHL Amateur Mtl. Canadiens
Dave Hynes L 1971 NHL Amateur Boston
Doug Elliott D 1971 NHL Amateur Pittsburgh
Jim Trainor D 1977 WHA Amateur Cincinnati
Dave Bell 1975 WHA Amateur Edmonton
Brian Petrovek G 1975 WHA Amateur Edmonton


Providence
Cody Wild D 2006 NHL Entry Edmonton
Jon Rheault R 2006 NHL Entry Philadelphia
Jay Pemberton D 2003 NHL Entry Florida
Eric Lundberg D 2002 NHL Entry Colorado
Jon DiSalvatore L 2000 NHL Entry San Jose
Nolan Schaefer G 2000 NHL Entry San Jose
Jay Leach D 1998 NHL Entry Phoenix
Mike Farrell R 1998 NHL Entry Washington
Richard Miller D 1997 NHL Entry NY Rangers
Brad Mullahy G 1991 NHL Supplemental Winnipeg
Mike Boback C 1990 NHL Entry Washington
Lyle Wildgoose L 1990 NHL Supplemental Calgary
Mark Romaine G 1989 NHL Supplemental New Jersey
Sean Whitham D 1986 NHL Entry Buffalo
Gord Cruickshank 1985 NHL Entry Boston
Peter Taglianetti D 1983 NHL Entry Winnipeg
Chris Terreri G 1983 NHL Entry New Jersey
Jeff Hamilton F 1982 NHL Entry Buffalo
Steve Taylor 1981 NHL Entry Philadelphia
Gates Orlando F 1981 NHL Entry Buffalo
Tim Army F 1981 NHL Entry Colorado
Mario Proulx G 1981 NHL Entry NY Rangers
Dan Miele 1980 NHL Entry Washington
Randy Velischek D 1980 NHL Entry Minnesota
Kurt Kleinendorst F 1980 NHL Entry NY Rangers
Scot Kleinendorst D 1980 NHL Entry NY Rangers
Bruce Raboin 1980 NHL Entry Washington
Steve O'Neill W 1978 NHL Amateur Vancouver
John Sullivan W 1978 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Paul Stasiuk L 1978 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Frank Johnson D 1978 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Jim Korn D 1977 NHL Amateur Detroit
Randy Wilson W 1977 NHL Amateur Detroit
Tom Bauer W 1977 NHL Amateur Philadelphia
Dave Dornseif D 1976 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Bradley Wilson C 1976 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Ron Wilson 1975 NHL Amateur Toronto
John McMorrow 1975 NHL Amateur NY Rangers
Steve Roberts D 1975 NHL Amateur NY Rangers
Colin Ahern C 1977 WHA Amateur Cincinnati
Jim Korn D 1977 WHA Amateur New England
Tom Byers W 1977 WHA Amateur Cincinnati
Dave Dornseif D 1976 WHA Amateur Indianapolis
Ron Wilson 1974 WHA Amateur Houston
John McMorrow 1974 WHA Amateur Houston
Sean Shanahan L 1973 WHA Amateur Houston


Cornell
Sasha Pokulok D 2005 NHL Entry Washington
Jon Gleed D 2004 NHL Entry Mtl. Canadiens
Mitch Carefoot C 2004 NHL Entry Atlanta
Shane Hynes F 2003 NHL Entry Anaheim
Matt Moulson L 2003 NHL Entry Pittsburgh
David LeNeveu G 2002 NHL Entry Phoenix
Matthew McRae F 2000 NHL Entry Atlanta
Mark McRae D 2000 NHL Entry Atlanta
Matt Underhill G 1999 NHL Entry Calgary
Brian McMeekin D 1999 NHL Entry St. Louis
Jean-Marc Pelletier G 1997 NHL Entry Philadelphia
Ryan Hughes C 1990 NHL Entry Quebec
Etienne Belzile 1990 NHL Entry Calgary
Paul Dukovac D 1990 NHL Supplemental Vancouver
Joe Dragon C 1990 NHL Supplemental Pittsburgh
Jim Crozier G 1990 NHL Supplemental Hartford
Dan Ratushny D 1989 NHL Entry Winnipeg
Marc Deschamps 1989 NHL Entry Mtl. Canadiens
Dave Burke D 1989 NHL Entry Toronto
Alex Nikolic L 1989 NHL Entry Calgary
Stephane Gauvin 1989 NHL Entry Winnipeg
Corrie D'Alessio G 1988 NHL Entry Vancouver
Trent Andison 1988 NHL Entry Minnesota
Casey Jones 1987 NHL Entry Boston
Joe Nieuwendyk C 1985 NHL Entry Calgary
Chris Norton 1985 NHL Entry Winnipeg
Jim Edmands G 1984 NHL Entry Winnipeg
Gary Cullen C 1982 NHL Entry Detroit
Jeff Baikie W 1981 NHL Entry Los Angeles
Darren Eliot G 1980 NHL Entry Los Angeles
Roy Kerling C 1978 NHL Amateur Minnesota
Lance Nethery F 1977 NHL Amateur NY Rangers
Robin Lang 1976 NHL Amateur Philadelphia
Kevin Walker 1974 NHL Amateur NY Rangers
Bob Peace C 1973 NHL Amateur Toronto
Dave Elenbaas G 1972 NHL Amateur Mtl. Canadiens
George Kuzmicz D 1972 NHL Amateur Detroit
Peter Shier D 1975 WHA Amateur Cincinnati
John Harper 1974 WHA Amateur Toronto
Dave Groulx 1974 WHA Amateur Michigan


Brown
Brian Ihnacak C 2004 NHL Entry Pittsburgh
Brian Eklund G 2000 NHL Entry Tampa Bay
Pat Thompson D 1993 NHL Supplemental Anaheim
Jamie O'Brien 1992 NHL Supplemental Calgary
Geoff Finch G 1991 NHL Entry Minnesota 7
Mike Brewer 1991 NHL Supplemental Washington
Steven King R 1991 NHL Supplemental NY Rangers
Brad Kreick 1989 NHL Supplemental Detroit
Chris Harvey G 1988 NHL Supplemental Boston
John Franzosa G 1982 NHL Entry Los Angeles
Jim Lawson C 1978 NHL Amateur Mtl. Canadiens
Rick Scully F 1978 NHL Amateur Los Angeles
Jimmy Bennett L 1977 NHL Amateur Atlanta
Mark Holden G 1977 NHL Amateur Mtl. Canadiens
Mike Laycock G 1977 NHL Amateur Philadelphia
Jim Lundquist 1975 NHL Amateur Mtl. Canadiens
Dave Given F 1974 NHL Amateur Buffalo
John Ahern 1974 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Kevin Smith D 1973 NHL Amateur NY Islanders
Curt Bennett C 1968 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Paul Stevenson 1975 WHA Amateur New England
Jim Lundquist 1975 WHA Amateur Houston
Dave Given F 1974 WHA Amateur Vancouver
Kevin Smith D 1973 WHA Amateur Chicago


Colgate
Mark Dekanich G 2006 NHL Entry Nashville
Kyle Wilson C 2004 NHL Entry Minnesota
Joey Mormina D 2002 NHL Entry Philadelphia
Bruce Gardiner C 1991 NHL Entry St. Louis
Chris MacKenzie C 1991 NHL Entry St. Louis
Alan Brown 1990 NHL Entry Washington
Troy Mohns 1990 NHL Entry Los Angeles
Jason Greyerbiehl 1989 NHL Entry Chicago
Karl Clauss 1989 NHL Supplemental Washington
Craig Woodcroft C 1988 NHL Entry Chicago
Shawn Lillie 1988 NHL Supplemental Pittsburgh
Todd Wolf 1988 NHL Supplemental Chicago
Bill McCreary L 1979 NHL Entry Toronto
Sandy Ross 1978 NHL Amateur Chicago
Ken Moodie 1978 NHL Amateur Mtl. Canadiens
Bill Davis 1974 NHL Amateur Pittsburgh


Yale
David Meckler L 2006 NHL Entry Los Angeles
Chris Higgins L 2002 NHL Entry Mtl. Canadiens
Joe Callahan D 2002 NHL Entry Phoenix
Ryan Steeves C 2002 NHL Entry Colorado
John Emmons C 1993 NHL Entry Calgary
Jack Duffy D 1991 NHL Supplemental NY Islanders
Peter Allen D 1991 NHL Supplemental Boston
Ray Letourneau G 1990 NHL Supplemental Philadelphia
Craig Ferguson C 1989 NHL Entry Mtl. Canadiens
Mike O'Neill G 1988 NHL Supplemental Winnipeg
Erik O'Borsky 1987 NHL Entry NY Rangers
John Moore 1987 NHL Entry Hartford
Dave Baseggio D 1986 NHL Entry Buffalo
Bob Kudelski C 1986 NHL Supplemental Los Angeles
Bob Brooke C 1980 NHL Entry St. Louis
Mark Rodrigues G 1978 NHL Amateur NY Rangers
Blair Wheeler 1978 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Chuck Carpenter 1975 NHL Amateur Los Angeles
D'Arcy Ryan F 1972 NHL Amateur Mtl. Canadiens


Princeton
Matthew Maglione D 2001 NHL Entry Washington
Chris Corrinet W 1998 NHL Entry Washington
Jason Smith D 1993 NHL Entry Calgary
Mike McKee D 1990 NHL Supplemental Quebec
Andre Faust L 1989 NHL Entry New Jersey
Kevin Sullivan R 1987 NHL Entry Hartford
Cliff Abrecht D 1983 NHL Entry Toronto
Ed Lee W 1981 NHL Entry Quebec
Ron Dennis G 1980 NHL Entry Toronto
Jim Farrell C 1978 NHL Amateur St. Louis
Paul Dionne 1975 NHL Amateur NY Rangers
Dave Kelley D 1977 WHA Amateur Cincinnati


Dartmouth
T.J. Galiardi W 2007 NHL Entry Colorado
Grant Lewis D 2004 NHL Entry Atlanta
Hugh Jessiman R 2003 NHL Entry NY Rangers
Lee Stempniak F 2003 NHL Entry St. Louis
Nick Boucher G 2000 NHL Entry Pittsburgh
Scott Fraser R 1991 NHL Entry Mtl. Canadiens
Steve Laurin G 1987 NHL Entry Hartford
Carey Wilson C 1980 NHL Entry Chicago
Chris McLaughlin 1978 NHL Amateur NY Rangers
Fred Riggall 1972 NHL Amateur Mtl. Canadiens


NOTE: I will compile the llist of the other 3 schools too ... I wasnt sure of all the schools that played in the conference and not all of them are "Ivy League".

You are truly amazing Skilly!!
I bet there is a wall in your den with all the fish mounted in order of year caught and school they swam in!

Keep up the great work.

[Doc Holliday]

Observations on Louis Leblanc at camp really please me. Apparently he's a guy with a nasty demeanor and lots of character. An unpleasant guy to play against. A junk yard dog. When drafed they compared him to Mike Richards and I get a feeling that it was quite accurate.

Corrected, thanks Anardil

[Anardil1]

Sept 18, 2010 7:38:32 GMT -5 Doc Holliday said:

Observations on Louis Leblanc at camp really please me. Apparently he's a guy with a nasty demeanor and lots of character. An unpleasant guy to play against. A junk yard dog. When drafed they compared him to Brad Richards and I get a feeling that it was quite accurate.

Um Doc, I think you meant MIKE Richards, (Flyers).

[seventeen]

I wouldn't have a problem if he was the second Brad Richards either.

[Skilly]

Louis LeBlanc will skip the Subway Series due to an injury ... I hope it is more like an "injury". I'm not a fan of Montreal players being involved in exhibition type events anyway.

LeBlanc now 13th in the Q in scoring (12-14-26 in 16 games), and has the third most ppg of the guys in the top 15 in scoring.

Please, please, please ... don't ruin this guy (JM, PG et al) .... and don't give him the mandatory exile to purgatory if he shows he can play in the NHL either.

[NWTHabsFan]

Nov 8, 2010 11:31:08 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Louis LeBlanc will skip the Subway Series due to an injury ... I hope it is more like an "injury". I'm not a fan of Montreal players being involved in exhibition type events anyway.

LeBlanc now 13th in the Q in scoring (12-14-26 in 16 games), and has the third most ppg of the guys in the top 15 in scoring.

Please, please, please ... don't ruin this guy (JM, PG et al) .... and don't give him the mandatory exile to purgatory if he shows he can play in the NHL either.

RDS reports that he has been cleared to play in the second game tomorrow night. It is on Sportsnet, so folks can catch a glimpse of him across the nation.

www.rds.ca/lhjmq/chroniques/309581.html

[HABSINFL]

Habs CHL Prospect Update - Through A Scouts Eyes: Louis Leblanc
November 18, 2010, 11:11 AM ET
Steven Hindle
Montreal Canadiens Blogger

Habs CHL Prospect Update

Through A Scouts Eyes: Louis Leblanc

As you may or may not be aware, I am attempting to broaden the coverage of your Montreal Canadiens this season by continually checking in on the Habs prospects and draft picks that are playing across the globe.

I have already explored the Habs Russian Prospects with Alex Seren Rosso, and have now turned my attention to the team's prospects playing in the Canadian Hockey League.

The CHL comprises all the Major Junior leagues across Canada(OHL, WHL & QMJHL) and with Montreal boasting 5 quality prospects in the CHL, I thought it best to get a scouts opinion on how these young Habs-to-be are progressing.

In order to help us better understand what is going, I contacted Rick Springhetti a scout for McKeen's Hockey, who was kind enough to provide an in-depth review of Louis Leblanc, Philippe Lefebvre, Michael Bournival, Brendan Gallagher, Jarred Tinordi and Morgan Ellis.

First up in our review of the Habs CHL prospects is Louis Leblanc.

Like with my current post on Washington Capitals prospect Stanislav Galiev, I will be presenting each player individually.

My thanks to Rick for providing some excellent insight and for doing the interview, hope you enjoy!

Name: Louis Leblanc

Current Team: Montreal Juniors, QMJHL

Drafted: 1st round, 18th overall, by Bob Gainey in 2009.


SH: Being a 1st round draft pick by the Montreal Canadiens always brings with it a lot of pressure and expectations, but none more so than when you're a local boy. How has Louis held up under the spotlight since the Canadiens drafted him last June? What has he done right, what has he done wrong?

RS: "Louis has handled the spotlight admirably well. It's not really a surprise considering his intelligence and work ethic away from the rink. Although some have found him a little distant when speaking to him, I found him to be a very focussed young man who is not too concerned by being a "celebrity" and that will only help him. Montreal could be a graveyard for athletes who lose focus on what they need to do to be successful."


SH: A last minute decision, Louis made the jump from Harvard to the Montreal Juniors of the QMJHL this summer, was that the right move for his development?

RS: "Absolutely. Harvard was a good decision for him last year as he needed to get stronger physically. Picking Harvard also helped him avoid the pressure of being the first francophone 1st round pick for the Habs in many years while that was still fresh in peoples minds. Now one year later he has become stronger and he is better equipped mentally to deal with all that comes with being Louis Leblanc in Montreal."

"The only drawback for Leblanc is that the QJMHL is not a place where he can develop his creativity. It's a league that has become very defensive and conservative in the systems that most teams use, but since he is not projected to become a big-time producer offensively, I am not too concerned about it."


SH: First Louis found success alongside Danny Kristo in the USHL with the Omaha Lancers, then he earned IVY League rookie of the year honors with Harvard in the ECAC and is now thriving in the QMJHL alongside fellow Habs prospect Phil Lefebvre. Not a lot of young players can boast that kind of experience, has his success had anything to do with having played in 3 different, albeit elite, hockey leagues?

RS: "I think it helps. Any experience that you can acquire during your formative years can only help you, be it on the ice, but also off the ice, where he has had to adjust to different cities and experiences."


SH: What are the unique skills that have helped Louis through his development? He's been criticized for not having the best speed, but his hands and vision on offense are constantly lauded, is Leblanc one-dimensional or is there more to Louis than straight offense?

RS: "First and foremost, his work ethic is second to none. His speed is alright, especially straight-ahead. He has good enough hands and makes decisions quickly once he has the puck but his vision is actually his weakest point in my opinion. He is not very creative as he lacks the peripheral vision to bring that aspect to his game, instead, he plays a straightforward game and takes full advantage of breakdowns in the offensive zone. Defensively, the effort is always there and he is getting better all the time. Still has to work on his reads especially against quicker players but that is sure to come with experience. In the NHL, I see him on a secondary scoring line who can play with intensity, but as a winger."


SH: Who does Louis remind you of? What are other fellow scouts saying about Louis?

RS: "I have heard a few names mentioned from John Leclair, to Plekanec, to Bergeron but I disagree with all of those. To me, he reminds me of a young Chris Higgins with better hands and more aggressiveness. The one thing I heard a few scouts say they like about him is his ability to play a lot of roles in a team. He can contribute in an offensive line (although he can’t anchor one himself) or can shine in a defensive role."


SH: In your opinion, has Leblanc done enough to earn a spot on Team Canada for the upcoming World Junior Championships?

RS: "I think he has a spot to lose. He can handle pressure, he is coachable and adapts quickly to his environment. I can see him on the team and I can see him wearing a letter too."

[seventeen]

Thanks Habsinfl. It's good to read an unbiased report on our guys. We'll always think he's better, so it gives us some needed perspective.

[seventeen]

Leblanc played for Team White today in a 4-1 loss to Team Red (WJC tryout camp). The good news is that Louis scored the lone White goal. I have no other information on how he played.

[GNick99]

Watched LeBlanc play a couple of games in WJC so far, hope to catch the Norway game later tonight. First time I had chance to see him play, came away impressed. Good wheels, smart hockey player, he makes things happen out there for sure. I see good hands but not star hands. A future 60-70 point center. His play looks more fitted to play in NHL than these kind of tourneys so may not be seeing him at his best. He's played a year in college, generally they are behind the development curve a little compared to CHL players. Where they don't play many games in college. Like to see LeBlanc bulk up a little, get a little stronger, looks kind of slender for NHL at this point.

[Doc Holliday]

These tournament being what they are many players are actually used out of position.

Louis is on right wing for Team Canada and I feel he isn't as effective and involved at that position. Leblanc reminds me a lot of Koivu actually. Lots of hustle, a bit of a temper, good vision but maybe not top notch quick hands. For sure a playmaking center in the works.

I watched some of the games and one guy that I am a little disapointed with is Couturier. I kinda expected a Lecavalier clone, but I see more of a Pouliot in him. Missing that "edge" I mean.

[HABSINFL]

I just hope JM is long gone before he gets here.

[Anardil1]

Dec 30, 2010 15:46:48 GMT -5 HABSINFL said:

I just hope JM is long gone before he gets here.

I have to disagree with you (a little). Leblanc seems to be the type of player that JM favours greatly, like Plekanec for example.

[HABSINFL]

I certainly hope you are right and I am wrong.

[HABSINFL]

Nice article

www.habseyesontheprize.com/2011/1/11/1920446/louis-leblanc-in-the-wjc-what-we-learned?ref=yahoo

Louis Leblanc in the WJC: What We Learned

by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 11, 2011 12:42 PM EST

There are a lot of things the experts say about the lauded World Junior Championship. An oft-repeated comment is that for draft eligible players you can not hurt your draft status, only improve it. Another is that it's really a tournament for 19 year olds, and to expect a dynamic output from a younger player is a little foolish, as the more mature players will be the impact players on each respective team. In my opinion a the World Juniors is a great place to see drafted prospects against the best players of their age group. Excelling in the tournament doesn't necessarily translate into instant NHL success, but it's certainly an indicator of what a player can do against elite competition.

So with that in mind, what did we learn from December 26th to January 5th about the hotly anticipated home-boy draft pick of the Canadiens; Louis Leblanc? Unfortunately, I don't think we've learned as much about him as we could have. Louis Leblanc started the tournament on the top scoring line with Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz, however while both his linemates were on the first wave of Canada's powerplay, Leblanc saw limited time on the second wave, partly due to coach Dave Cameron's over-reliance on the top unit, and partly because Leblanc wasn't always on the second wave, sometimes he was left off entirely.

After Jaden Schwartz broke his ankle, the lines were shuffled and Leblanc was moved out of a top six spot, despite regularly controlling the play and looking like the best player on his line most shifts (when not on the Schenn line, as Schenn was fantastic all tournament). TSN's Bob McKenzie frequently commented that Leblanc brought energy to every line he was put on, and perhaps that's why he was continually shuffled through the lineup after Schwartz went down. But after the way the tournament ended, I can't help but think that for most of the tournament Leblanc was a wasted asset.

Star-divide

Now I'm not saying Louis Leblanc would have single-handedly won the game against the Russians if he was played with the top players on the team, what I'm saying is that Canadiens fans were done a disservice in not seeing Leblanc in the role that he was drafted to perform, and that his play in the tournament easily earned him bigger minutes. Watching the games, and looking at the stat sheet, it was very easy to see that Leblanc outperformed "big" names such as Zack Kassian, Brett Connolly, Cody Eakin, Quinton Howden, Curtis Hamilton, and Marcus Foligno. In fact the only forwards on Team Canada that had a better tournament than Leblanc were Brayden Schenn, who was excellent, and Ryan Johansen, who put up 2 more assists than Leblanc, was a +4 to Leblanc's +6, and benefited from being on the first wave of the powerplay for the entirety of the tournament.

While we likely didn't see the most impressive offensive output Leblanc could muster with ideal ice-time, unless you've been diligently going to Montreal Juniors games, we learned some interesting things about our boy Louis. When Leblanc was first drafted I remember reading a bunch of scouting reports, and the basics were that he had a great will to win, needed to work on his skating, was physically not very strong, and his offensive potential may not be that great because he was playing in the USHL instead of the CHL, and many compared his playing style to that of Mike Richards..

I think after watching him score at a point per game pace with limited ice-time and with offensively challenged linemates, we can write off that third scouting report. Is Leblanc going to be an offensive dynamo, point per game player in the NHL? Probably not, but he's no slouch. He has a nose for the net, and the amount of pucks he throws on net to either score or generate rebounds reminds me a lot of Brian Gionta, so that's very promising.

His skating seems to have improved since he was drafted, which is good. He's not the fastest skater out there, but he's not Latendresse slow, and he gets up to speed quickly. One thing that wasn't mentioned in scouting reports about his skating however is his agility. Leblanc possesses a unique escapability along the boards that I've only seen consistently accomplished in the NHL by a few players, one of them is named Sidney Crosby. His quick directional changes make him very difficult to check, and defenders often get caught lagging behind him, allowing Leblanc to send a pass to a teammate or take a chance on his own. His board play as a 19 year old is something the Canadiens could currently use, and after a year in the AHL or two, that same tenacious board play is going to make Leblanc a big asset in the Canadiens lineup.

I also believe that it's his board play that drew the initial comparisons to Mike Richards, as he is also very hard to remove from the puck. However in his overall game, I don't see a Mike Richards in Louis Leblanc. He doesn't have the same physical presence as Richards, and certainly doesn't have the same mean streak from what I can see. Physically Leblanc is much stronger now than he was when drafted, and perhaps the year at Harvard with fewer games and more time in the gym has paid off, as he was ranked first overall in physical fitness among Team Canada hopefuls after the evaluation camp. He still needs to get stronger, but it's obvious that he's been working on it.

What I found the most impressive about Leblanc in the World Juniors however, was his willingness to take on any job given to him. When he was on the top line he performed very well, and when he was put on a checking line he performed just as well. When he was put on the energy line he went out and did his job with a smile on his face. He has versatility, a natural center who can play right wing when asked, as he played right wing this whole tournament. He can play the powerplay, and he can kill penalties. This is the kind of versatility that turns a late first round pick into a very likely impact NHLer. With Eller and Leblanc in the system, 4 years from now or so the Canadiens are going to have a gluttony of very good centers.

[blny]

I thought LL had a great tournament. He was used in ALL situations. I'd have liked more consistent scoring chances with Schenn, but he did well at everything. His game reminded me of a more physical Plekanec. Hard to say what his progression will be, but I think he's a real gamer with offensive upside.

[seventeen]

Jan 1, 2011 13:47:47 GMT -5 Anardil1 said:

Dec 30, 2010 15:46:48 GMT -5 HABSINFL said:

I just hope JM is long gone before he gets here.

I have to disagree with you (a little). Leblanc seems to be the type of player that JM favours greatly, like Plekanec for example.

What Leblanc has going against him is that

a) he's young, so Martin will have no patience with his mistakes
b) he won't have a big contract, implying that Martin would have no choice but to play him
c) something else, which Martin will come up with.

[Doc Holliday]

Apparently Leblanc played a monster game yesterday. 1 goal, 3 assists. Used on 2 different lines, game's 1st star.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Jan 17, 2011 12:50:57 GMT -5 Doc Holliday said:

Apparently Leblanc played a monster game yesterday. 1 goal, 3 assists. Used on 2 different lines, game's 1st star.

Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
I like him more than Plekanec. He has a better wristshot, skilled playmaker and slightly weaker positionally without the puck. He will learn, his skating will improve. He is an asset, not a liability. There were a lot of weak skaters that made it in the NHL.
Ferguson and Lambert were atrocious; but nobody had the nerve to tell them they were. Luc Robitaille was a weak skater but always ended up in the right place at the right time.

[seventeen]

What I'd like to see Louis get a little better at is his acceleration and top end speed. He is really good at quick turns and agility and his first step isn't bad, but to succeed at the top level, he'd have an easier time with a bit more speed and a touch more acceleration. He doesn't need a lot, and maybe simply getting stronger all-around will look after that.

He has very quick hands, especially on a pass. In the WJC, there were times he made a very good pass, but his linemates weren't expecting it in that spot at that time. In fact, in one case late in the 3rd against the Russians, that good pass went for icing and the Russians ended up scoring. He's a bit like Markov that way in that he sees the game a few moves ahead of everyone else. There is potential with this young man and I love the fact he's got a bit of an edge to him. I could see Rocket's glare in his eyes, something I haven't seen in a long, long time.

[blny]

Jan 17, 2011 19:37:39 GMT -5 Habs_fan_in_LA said:

Jan 17, 2011 12:50:57 GMT -5 Doc Holliday said:

Apparently Leblanc played a monster game yesterday. 1 goal, 3 assists. Used on 2 different lines, game's 1st star.

Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
I like him more than Plekanec. He has a better wristshot, skilled playmaker and slightly weaker positionally without the puck. He will learn, his skating will improve. He is an asset, not a liability. There were a lot of weak skaters that made it in the NHL.
Ferguson and Lambert were atrocious; but nobody had the nerve to tell them they were. Luc Robitaille was a weak skater but always ended up in the right place at the right time.

A quick mind can make up for slow feet. Too much over the last 20 years, we've seen scouts drafting athletes instead of hockey players. I think it's starting to finally swing back in the other direction.

[Doc Holliday]

Jan 18, 2011 7:39:38 GMT -5 blny said:

Jan 17, 2011 19:37:39 GMT -5 Habs_fan_in_LA said:

Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
I like him more than Plekanec. He has a better wristshot, skilled playmaker and slightly weaker positionally without the puck. He will learn, his skating will improve. He is an asset, not a liability. There were a lot of weak skaters that made it in the NHL.
Ferguson and Lambert were atrocious; but nobody had the nerve to tell them they were. Luc Robitaille was a weak skater but always ended up in the right place at the right time.

A quick mind can make up for slow feet. Too much over the last 20 years, we've seen scouts drafting athletes instead of hockey players. I think it's starting to finally swing back in the other direction.

I agree BLNY.

I think a lot of it has to with the "over-systemization" of hockey which started in the NHL and trickled down to Junior, Midget and even Bantam now. Coaches want to apply systems because it gives them a chance to win with less skilled teams but it tends to kill a player's creativity and instinct. How many times do we read scouting reports describing players as responsible, strong 2-way, good without the puck...

[Boston_Habs]

Jan 18, 2011 12:48:11 GMT -5 Doc Holliday said:

Jan 18, 2011 7:39:38 GMT -5 blny said:

A quick mind can make up for slow feet. Too much over the last 20 years, we've seen scouts drafting athletes instead of hockey players. I think it's starting to finally swing back in the other direction.

I agree BLNY.

I think a lot of it has to with the "over-systemization" of hockey which started in the NHL and trickled down to Junior, Midget and even Bantam now. Coaches want to apply systems because it gives them a chance to win with less skilled teams but it tends to kill a player's creativity and instinct. How many times do we read scouting reports describing players as responsible, strong 2-way, good without the puck...

It's a good observation and I think it can be applied to other sports as well, namely basketball. Player freedom and creativity have been compromised by imposing a rigid system or stucture that, as Doc says, allows COACHES to control the game rather than the players. The best way for Jacques Martin to keep his job is to make sure his players do exactly what he wants. Taking chances, being aggressive, etc. relinquishes control and introduces risk into the equation. And coaches hate risk.

So we have this highly "systematized" style of play that probably reached its apex during the trap era of the New Jersey Devils. The league has been trying to inject offense and flow back into the game ever since, but it's hard to put the genie back in the bottle. Between that and the fact that goalies are far more technically advanced than they were in the 70s and 80s....it's no surprise that scoring is down from where it used to be.

Same thing in the NBA. Watch some of the great Celtics/Lakers games from the 80s and not only were they high scoring affairs, but they weren't afraid to run fast breaks in crucial situations. Nowadays, coaches call a timeout after practically every possession down the stretch, draw up a specific play, and expect the players to execute. Risk taking or creativity is stifled.

So it's nice to see the pendulum might be swinging, and it helps to have once-in-a-generation type talents with guys like Crosby and Ovechkin to help it along. Leblanc just looks like a solid hockey player with lots of potential. No need to type-cast him into a specific role like "scoring winger" or "checking center" or "4th line banger" or "energy guy"...just let him play the game.

[NWTHabsFan]

Heading into play last Thursday, Louis had gone 8 straight games without a point. More than a few Habs websites had their worry warts that were starting to question the draft pick (we are Habs followers after all).

Well, Louis was just named the Q's third star last week because in his back to back to back games between Feb 17-19, he managed 3g 3a for 6 pts in those three games. He is also playing an early game today and already has another 1g 2a after 2 periods.

Rumours of his offensive demise were obviously a bit premature.

[franko]

Feb 23, 2011 12:34:36 GMT -5 NWTHabsFan said:

Rumours of his offensive demise were obviously a bit premature.

premature speculation is a concern for some, isn't it?

[blny]

He's a kid after all. Things that might not affect him as a pro, will as a junior age player. School, family, girlfriend, etc. He's also playing more games this year than he did last. There's an adjustment there.

46 points in 42 games, 4th in team scoring. A good first season.

[NWTHabsFan]

Feb 23, 2011 14:51:03 GMT -5 blny said:

He's a kid after all. Things that might not affect him as a pro, will as a junior age player. School, family, girlfriend, etc. He's also playing more games this year than he did last. There's an adjustment there.

46 points in 42 games, 4th in team scoring. A good first season.

His good first season improved a notch today, as he ended up with three more points this afternoon. 49 points in 43 games and only 4 points off the team scoring lead (with 10 or so less games than the three guys ahead of him). He is also a very solid +14 in the process.

[blny]

Feb 23, 2011 15:45:00 GMT -5 NWTHabsFan said:

Feb 23, 2011 14:51:03 GMT -5 blny said:

He's a kid after all. Things that might not affect him as a pro, will as a junior age player. School, family, girlfriend, etc. He's also playing more games this year than he did last. There's an adjustment there.

46 points in 42 games, 4th in team scoring. A good first season.

His good first season improved a notch today, as he ended up with three more points this afternoon. 49 points in 43 games and only 4 points off the team scoring lead (with 10 or so less games than the three guys ahead of him). He is also a very solid +14 in the process.

It's early yet, but I still see a bigger Tomas Plekanec who's more capable in the corners. Next year, and hopefully a leading role with the junior team, will be even more telling.

[seventeen]

Sorry guys, I'm not as impressed. He's a 19 year old, he should be in the top 15 in league scoring at the very least. I've been wrong before (once or twice every decade ;D), but it does concern me that he hasn't dominated more.

Michael Bournival, for example, is a year younger and has 64 points in 54 games.

[blny]

Feb 23, 2011 19:36:27 GMT -5 seventeen said:

Sorry guys, I'm not as impressed. He's a 19 year old, he should be in the top 15 in league scoring at the very least. I've been wrong before (once or twice every decade ;D), but it does concern me that he hasn't dominated more.

Michael Bournival, for example, is a year younger and has 64 points in 54 games.

Looking at the stats of both teams, I'd say that the Cataracs are more of a run and gun team. The Juniors appear more of a balanced, two way team. The Cataracs have more snipers, the Juniors have guys that can score at a point a game and shut you down at the same time.

During the WJC, LL was used in a multitude of roles. He played ES, PP, and PK. He did all of this on multiple lines. When given the green light, he created a lot, and when asked to shut people down, he did that. I think in a pure offensive situation in junior that he'd have more points than he does.

Keep in mind that, while a year younger, Bournival has two previous seasons under his belt. Experience is experience, at any age. He's produced only marginally more offense in the same number of games played.